Contact: Ric Dressen
Superintendent
superintendent@edina.k12.mn.us

Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Edina Public Schools Ranks 76 in Newsweek’s Best High Schools in America

Edina, Minn., May 21, 2011 – Edina Public Schools ranks 76 out of 500 high schools in Newsweek’s 2011 list of the best high schools in America. Among the top 500 schools, 9 Minnesota high schools received honors, with Edina being the only school in Minnesota to rank in the top 100.

Other Minnesota schools rankings include: Mahtomedi High School (158), Lakeville North High School (178), Century High School (210), Eden Prarie (213), St. Louis Park Senior High School (248), Andover High School (364), Apple Valley High School (451) and Simley High School (478).

Superintendent Ric Dressen said, “The recognition for our high school is a compliment to our entire community.  I realize our students’ success that leads to national honors comes from a team effort.  Students, staff, parents, and community members all give their very best starting in our early education programs and culminating at graduation.  I congratulate our entire District community on this outstanding recognition.”

The list, compiled every year by Newsweek, was revamped this year to include a new research methodology focusing on a wider range of criteria to reflect the overall level of preparedness for college and beyond. To compile the 2011 list, Newsweek surveyed over 10,000 public high schools across the country, with 1,100 schools considered for the final list of 500 schools. The final rankings are based on a Newsweek composite score comprised of six components: graduation rate (25%), college matriculation rate (25%), AP tests taken per graduate (25%), average SAT/ACT scores (10%), average AP/IB/AICE scores (10%), and AP courses offered (5%).

Edina earned the rank of 76 by achieving a graduation rate of 99%, college matriculation rate of 94%, average SAT score of 1887, and average AP test score of 3.7. The figures used in the rankings were based on the data from the 2009-2010 school year. The entire list of the top 500 high schools can be seen in June 27, 2011 issue of Newsweek and online.